Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and may break if bent even slightly.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you how to repair car key lock can use it to start the motor.